Reduce your energy costs without major work through RCx
We optimize your existing mechanical systems to correct operational drift, improve comfort, and generate quick, measurable savings that are often eligible for financial incentives.
Targeted recommissioning to restore performance
Mechanical retrofitting (RCx) involves analyzing and optimizing a building’s existing systems to restore their energy and operational performance. Over time, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, controls, and operating sequences drift: miscalibrated sensors, inappropriate schedules, inefficient setpoints, or successive, non-optimized adjustments. These drifts lead to excessive energy consumption, reduced comfort for occupants, and increased operating costs.
RCx helps correct these inefficiencies by optimizing the operation of existing systems without requiring major equipment replacement. It is often a particularly effective first step in an energy efficiency initiative, as it delivers quick, tangible, and measurable results.
The RCx process is based on a thorough analysis of the building’s actual performance under operating conditions. It includes an investigative phase during which system performance and energy consumption are analyzed over three representative seasons:
- Winter
- Summer
- Off-season (fall or spring)
This approach makes it possible to identify the main operational deviations as well as the most relevant opportunities for optimization.
At E’nergys, we have also developed a mechanical system optimization service that includes a performance guarantee to reduce the financial risk for our clients. As part of this service, we commit to achieving the energy savings identified during the analysis and ensure they are realized during the project’s payback period, which typically ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Identify, correct, and sustain improvements
We take concrete steps to identify, implement, and sustain RCx-related optimizations. The actions carried out as part of a project may include, among other things:
- The implementation of a sustainable performance monitoring system
- Optimizing schedules and control sequences
- Adjusting temperature and ventilation settings
- Correcting operational anomalies and deviations
- Reducing unnecessary overconsumption
Our approach is based on a structured process, from analysis to monitoring of results. In parallel with our investigation of the measures, we carry out an implementation phase that involves making the necessary adjustments to control strategies and equipment operation as soon as they are identified.
At the conclusion of this stage, we provide a detailed report as part of the handover process. This report outlines the following:
- Next steps
- Analyses conducted
- Measures Implemented
- Additional recommendations
This phase also includes knowledge transfer to the operations teams to ensure that the optimizations are sustained over time.
The process concludes with follow-up in the first and second years, in order to:
- Build on the results achieved over time
- Check the energy savings achieved
- Adjust operations as needed
What if your next energy savings were already in your building?
RCx helps you achieve quick energy savings by correcting operational drift in your existing systems. We guarantee the resulting performance.
Q&A
What is mechanical system recommissioning, or RCx?
RCx, or mechanical system recommissioning, involves analyzing and optimizing a building’s existing systems to correct operational drift and restore better energy and operational performance, without major equipment replacement.
How can I tell if RCx is right for my building?
RCx is particularly useful if your building is consuming more energy than expected, if comfort levels are inconsistent, or if your mechanical systems seem to be malfunctioning despite the absence of any major breakdowns. It is often a good place to start when you want to achieve quick results without undertaking major renovations.
What kinds of savings can be expected from an RCx project?
An RCx project typically yields energy savings of between 5% and 15%, depending on the condition of the building, the quality of its current operation, and the inefficiencies identified.
Does RCx require replacing equipment?
Not necessarily. RCx is primarily aimed at optimizing the operation of existing systems: schedules, operating procedures, control sequences, calibration, and operational anomalies. This is what makes it a process that is often quick and cost-effective.
What types of actions do you carry out as part of an RCx mandate?
Actions may include optimizing schedules and control sequences, adjusting temperature and ventilation settings, correcting operational anomalies, reducing unnecessary energy consumption, and implementing sustainable performance monitoring.
Can an RCx project be eligible for financial incentives in Canada?
Yes. In Canada, RCx projects may be eligible for financial incentives that can cover a significant portion of eligible costs, which can greatly improve project profitability.
Do you offer a performance guarantee for RCx?
Yes. E’nergys has developed an RCx offering with a performance guarantee. Under this program, we commit to the savings identified during the analysis and ensure they are achieved during the project’s payback period, which is typically 1 to 2 years.
How long does an RCx project take?
The process includes an investigative phase based on three representative seasons, followed by an implementation, transfer, and monitoring phase in Year 1 and Year 2. The exact timeline depends on the building and how it is operated, but the goal is always to achieve measurable and sustainable results.
What happens after the RCx analysis?
Following the analysis, E’nergys implements the necessary adjustments, provides a detailed report, transfers knowledge to the operations teams, and monitors performance to verify and consolidate savings over time.
What is E’nergys’ expertise in RCx?
Our team members are RCx-certified and have completed more than 25 projects.